Become Energy Efficient and
Cut-Hydro-Costs Too

In order to reduce emissions and cut costs at the same time, we all need to be much more knowledgeable about energy efficiency.

FACT: North Americans are individually responsible for emitting over 20 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

That is alot, and it's more than double the amount of energy emitted by West Europeans.

As electricity is the biggest source of carbon emissions,
the best place to start reducing that source is within
our homes. The home actually consists of many different
departments to consider in terms of knowing where to spot
the weak areas, and knowing how to fix them.

Speaking of weak areas, beware of the Electricity Vampires
that are forever present in the home, and find out how to deal with them.


Within the home, you need to look at the type of heating
system you have in place.

What kind of windows do you have?

What kind of lighting do you use, inside and outside as well?

Is your home well insulated?

What about home electronics? Have you got televisions and
dvd-players in every room?
(Don't feel bad, many of us do these days)

Do you have a pool or a hot-tub?

Could your kitchen and laundry facilities be improved upon?

(saving water saves electricity too)

Are you aware that landscaping around your home plays a part
in all of this as well?

Lots of things to consider when it comes to energy
bills, and they can be discussed in much more detail
individually.


Is Your TV An Energy Saving Television?


In the meantime, there are ways to cut-hydro-costs
that are fairly simple and largely commonsense ideas.

"Turn off the lights" was a saying drilled into
my head by my Grandmother, who spent alot of time in our
home when I was growing up.

I swear she could also wash dinner dishes for 5
people in an inch of barely hot water as well.

Anyway, I have become a bit of a stickler about the lights,
even a bit overboard if that's possible. But, I simply like
the atmosphere of low-lighting, so this is good.

Makes perfect sense. Why have lights on in places where
no-one is in?

Cold feet and cold floors? Don't turn up the
furnace.

Put down some area rugs. They insulate the floors well above
unheated or partially heated areas like garages, crawl
spaces and basements.

They also insulate against noise as well.

Try area rugs in your basement too for concrete
floors. They help insulate and save energy. But only do
it if you are sure there is no danger of water. Mold and
insect problems can start if your carpets are damp.

Just generally cool? Put on a sweater, put on a pair
of socks and slippers. Take advantage of throw-blankets
you probably have laying around. No, you shouldn't have to
freeze in your own home, but for someone who prefers to be
barefoot, I have adapted quite well to woolen socks, instead
of turning up the furnace.

Use a door-sock. This is a long tube of material
full of sand or birdseed that fits snugly against the
bottom of doors to stop drafts from any gaps. Keep the
warm air in, and the cold air out.


For sliding glass doors, be sure to keep the track nice
and clean. Dirt build-up can ruin the door seal and lets out
the heat.

Let the sun cut-hydro-costs for you.

Take advantage of the sunshine. In the winter, leave
your curtains open to allow the sun in to heat the rooms.

This allows the warm air to circulate and move around the
windows so that moisture won't accumulate and freeze.

At night, close your curtains to reduce the heat from escaping.

Tip - Did you know that white or lighter shades actually
reflect heat away from your home?

In the summer, close your drapes to keep the sun out and keep
the house cool. You won't need to use your air-conditioning
as much.


Understand how the Ontario Smart Meter can help you decrease energy bills.


Take Advantage of The Sun. See How A Woodworker is Going Solar


Are you noticing spider-webs? Did you know that
spiders build their webs in the direct line of air-flow
in order to catch insects? This could indicate a leak
somewhere that is letting in drafts.


Interested in do-it-yourself solar and wind power?Click Here!


These are just a few basic things you can implement
around your house to not only cut-hydro-costs
but to get into the overall mode of thinking in terms of
the bigger picture. And, that is to reduce your carbon
footprint by reducing carbon emissions as well.

Starting with the little things will naturally lead to
looking for more and more ways to conserve.


On Demand Water Heaters can save energy over the conventional water tank.

This service will find your home problem areas and
you may even qualify for the Retrofit Rebate Program
once you have completed the improvements.

If you want to cut-hydro-costs, the Home Audit may
be a good way to get started.


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